UK Committee Urges Prep for US Security Withdrawal

A cross-party parliamentary committee in the United Kingdom has urged the government to prepare for a potential withdrawal of United States support during a European security crisis, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on American defense capabilities. The report, released Friday by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, warns that ongoing tensions in transatlantic relations could undermine key British security dependencies, including nuclear missile maintenance and intelligence sharing.

The committee, comprising members of Parliament and the House of Lords, recommends that Britain develop a plan with European allies to transition toward greater European leadership within the NATO alliance. It calls for investments in independent capabilities to offset any U.S. pullback and for stronger ties with middle powers such as Canada, Australia, and India to navigate great power rivalries. "The unpredictability of the U.S. relationship is a growing concern," said committee chairman Matt Western, a Labour MP. "The UK's deep dependence on the U.S. for security guarantees has a long history, and the partnership will outlast prime ministers and presidents alike. But the...